Get help from THAW in Michigan

There are several different resources and programs that can help Michigan families pay their utility bills.

DTE Energy’s charity is known as the Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW). Another name is the “Neighbors Helping Neighbors In Need,” and many workers donate monthly to this charity.

The THAW organization is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. It was founded in 1985, and it provides utility bill help to thousands of customers in the state of Michigan. It is structured similarly to various other organizations and charities that were established by utility companies around the country, such as the Dollar Energy Fund in Pennsylvania, Energy Outreach Colorado, Oregon HEAT, and also the Operation Fuel fund which is based in Connecticut.

How does the THAW program work?

If you are accepted into the program, you can receive cash grants and other forms of financial assistance. There are several conditions in order to get aid from THAW.

* Your utility or heating service must be shut off.

* The THAW program does not cover the entire state of Michigan, so you must live in the correct part of the state.

* Your outstanding balance on your utility bill must be more than $125 for single accounts or $250 for combined accounts.

* You must have verifiable income and the documents that support it. Your total household income must not exceed 250 percent of the federal government poverty level. If your income is up to 150 percent of the poverty level, you are to apply not to THAW, but to the Michigan Department of Human Services for help.

* In addition, if you have received utility bill help in the last year, you are ineligible for the program.